Kansas basketball vindicated in infractions case ruling

KANSAS CITY — Big 12 Conference Commissioner Brett Yormark addressed multiple topics during the league’s media days for basketball.

Yormark discussed conference realignment and the Big 12’s commitment to keeping its basketball tournaments in Kansas City. When asked about the money Kansas Athletics received from the 2018 NCAA tournament, which must be vacated due to penalties from an infractions case, Yormark couldn’t provide much insight.

However, he did share his opinion on the case’s resolution and expressed support for the Kansas men’s basketball program.

“I’m not familiar with the economics of the situation,” Yormark stated. “All I can say is that it was a campus issue. I believe the program has been vindicated, and I think the outcome was fair for everyone. I’m sure they’re pleased with it, but I don’t have details on the financial aspect.”

Yormark’s assumption that Kansas is satisfied with the decision is supported by Jayhawks athletic director Travis Goff and head coach Bill Self, who both expressed positivity following the ruling. A spokesperson for Kansas confirmed that the share received from the 2018 NCAA tournament will be returned.

Regarding where the funds go and the timeframe for repayment, The Topeka Capital-Journal reached out to the NCAA and Independent Accountability Resolution Process (IARP). According to the NCAA, fines in the infractions process typically go to the NCAA Student Assistance Fund, which assists Division I college athletes with needs beyond traditional scholarships. The IARP clarified that the specific financial penalty for Kansas was based on the men’s basketball program budget and did not incur additional fines related to ineligible student-athlete participation in postseason contests.

Related: Bill Self on KU infractions case: ‘Unknown was probably as much of a penalty as anything’

Related: What you need to know about Kansas ahead of Big 12 Conference basketball media days

Related: Kansas football coach Lance Leipold reacts to $15 million gift for Gateway District

Jordan Guskey covers University of Kansas Athletics at The Topeka Capital-Journal. He is the National Sports Media Association’s sportswriter of the year for the state of Kansas for 2022. Contact him at [email protected] or on Twitter at @JordanGuskey.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark: Kansas basketball vindicated